Beirut, December 02 (QNA) - In a step that reflects the resilience of the indomitable Lebanese people and their determination to never abandon their lands, villagers and those living in towns in southern Lebanon have returned to their homes, notwithstanding the massive devastation and losses inflicted by the recent incidents, which resulted in killing and wounding over 20,000 people as per report of the Lebanese Ministry of Health, along with a large-scale destruction of infrastructure and homes.

Despite the challenging conditions awaiting the withdrawal of Israeli occupying forces from certain areas, the vast majority of Southerners have returned to their hometowns, whether to their devastated homes or to the residences of relatives and family members.

Based on estimations, approximately 200,000 residential buildings were affected either partially or entirely engendering massive challenges for the reconstruction process and provision of security and decent life for the returnees.

The terms of the ceasefire agreement stipulate that the Israeli entity shall, over the course of 60 days, withdraw its forces. Concurrently, there shall be an expansion in the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces to areas in proximity to the occupied Palestinian territories.

Several individuals emphasized that they would neither abandon their lands nor allow their joy to be diminished following the ceasefire and their return to the southern regions. This resolve persists despite the profound grief caused by the loss of a sheer number of their loved ones. They remain hopeful that they will receive the necessary reparation to rebuild what was devastated by the war.

Member of the development and liberation bloc, Dr. Ashraf Baydoun, emphasized to Qatar News Agency (QNA) Lebanon's commitment to the resolution 1701 and never breaching the terms of the ceasefire agreement, even though there is an Israeli offensive in some villages and towns which is unequivocal breach of the ceasefire deal, adding that fears are mounting in light of these breaches and the persistent onslaught on villages and towns located in south and north of the Litani River, despite the declaration of a ceasefire.

He asserted that the Lebanese people would never abandon their lands, despite enduring numerous painful trials, destruction, and both human and material losses, highlighting the apocalyptic images of the ravaged villages, which are deeply sorrowful. He added that the good news is that they lay on the ground amidst the debris, holding onto their homes and properties, and hopefully aspire to receive reparation from the government and international donors, stressing the importance of accelerating the steps for the Lebanese to return safely and swiftly to their homes.

Regarding his concerns about the potential violation of the ceasefire deal, Dr. Baydoun affirmed that the Israeli entity can't be trusted as it does not give any legal value to all international charters and conventions, and everything related to international law.

This entity shredded the United Nations charter on its podium; therefore, the Lebanese people know with whom they deal with, he highlighted, stressing that what was agreed upon in terms of ceasefire was not legally an agreement, but identifying a mechanism for enforcing the resolution 1701. He underlined Lebanon's commitment to all items of this resolution.

Speaking to QNA, Head of the Crisis Cell in the town of Sarafand, Southern Lebanon, Eng. Ali Haidar Khalifa, noted the challenging situation the people of Sarafand had encountered at the shelter center during their whole stay there, without access to healthcare and social safety, many have been severely affected by the soaring rental prices of residential apartments.

This situation led to the displacement of approximately 75 percent of the town's population to areas outside the south, while Sarafand received around 815 families, who were accommodated in local homes, he said.

Khalifa called on international parties overseeing the ceasefire agreement to pressure the Israeli entity, into halting its violations in light of Lebanon's commitment to the ceasefire resolution. He emphasized that hope remains in stabilizing the situation and returning to normal life, which requires international cooperation to effectively implement the ceasefire agreement and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the border areas.

(QNA)